FIRST INDIAN SONG WINS PRESTIGIOUS LENNON AWARD

Seattle based Indian composer wins top award for song “Akhiyaan” in World music category.

[SEATTLE, WA, May 1, 2020] — The John Lennon Songwriting Contest announced the 2020 winners and for the first time, an Indian song has won the award for World Music category. The winning song “Akhiyaan” was written and composed by Rohit Batra of Sur in Seattle, produced by George Varghese of Verge Studios, and sung by Indian Idol Alum, Geetesh Iyer. “Akhiyaan” was also the Session 1 Grand Prize winner in 2019. “This is a big moment for independent Indian musicians. We are breaking a mold as non-bollywood music is being recognized on the world stage”, says Rohit Batra.

The John Lennon Songwriting Contest is an international contest that started in 1997. Judges will select one of the 12 category winners and announce Song of the Year in July 2020. The judges panel includes noted international singers/songwriters, performers, and industry veterans such as Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Prince Royce, Natasha Bedingfield, and Gaby Moreno.

Sur in Seattle was founded by Rohit Batra in 2016. Their mission is to collaborate with up-and-coming musicians and singers to create original Indian content. Sur in Seattle aims to amplify those voices and share them with you.